Reddy Makes Appearance at Very Special Arts Festival

“I was thrilled. I was beside myself and so were the kids..."

Posted April 11, 2014, Katie Vaughn, Knoxville, Tennessee

Thirty-three years ago, Dr. Susan Benner, the department head of Theory and Practice in Teacher Education at the University of Tennessee, became passionate about starting a very special arts program in Knoxville. Special not only for the arts and activities offered, but also for those the festival served. The idea led to an annual celebration of arts in Knox County schools.

The Very Special Arts Festival is held every year in combination with the Dogwood Arts festival. All special education students in Knox County as well as their teachers come together to showcase talent and passion in art.

This year, Reddy, the mascot for the Red Cross of Tennessee Mountain Valley surprised the students by making an appearance.

Reddy greeted students at the door and showed of his dance moves during a mascot parade right after the talent portion of the festival.

“I was thrilled, I was beside myself and so were the kids,” said Lisa Sullivan, a special education teacher at West High School. “It’s very important to everyone in this community.”

Reddy’s is available for community events across East Tennessee but is limited in some activities because of size and transportation.